American Primeval, The Breakthrough and everything else to watch this week

This week, Kayleigh Dray raves about a major ITV thriller after sharing three new titles to add to your watchlist, while Shahed Ezaydi piles praise on the women poised for a cinematic takeover this new year.

The Breakthrough

Scandi noir fans, assemble! Based on Sweden's second largest murder investigation to date, this true crime drama sees a detective and genealogist work together in a last-ditch attempt to stop a shocking double homicide becoming a cold case. Can they ever hope to catch the killer who's evaded police for 16 years, though? Tuesday 7 January; Netflix

Patience

When autistic police archivist Patience Evans (Ella Maisy Purvis) joins forces with detective Bea Metcalf (Laura Fraser), her natural instincts prove invaluable in solving some fiendishly tricky crimes. This isn't just a police procedural, though; the Agatha Christie-esque series is also a 'celebration of neurodiversity' thanks to its clever casting and heartfelt storytelling. 9pm, Wednesday 8 January; Channel 4

American Primeval

In the mood for a very different kind of period drama? Take a trip back to the bloody and brutal landscape of America's Wild West, where Sara (Betty Gilpin) – with her son, Devin, in tow – is attempting an epic journey in search of her husband. She'll need a guide to steer her through the dangers of outlaw country, though, so step forward Taylor Kitsch's Isaac. A violent tale of human survival and found family. Thursday 9 January; Netflix

Playing Nice is the TV thriller we all need right now

"It's cold, it's dark, and it's a long way to pay day," says Kayleigh. "If ever we were in need of a new TV series to get stuck into, it's now – and, thankfully, the TV gods have answered our prayers with Playing Nice.

"A taut four-parter, it weaves a tale of two couples who discover their toddlers were switched at birth in a hospital mix-up. Their heartbreak is palpable, their dilemma unimaginable. Somehow, though, Pete Riley (James Norton) and Maddie Wilson (Niamh Algar) find the strength to meet with Miles (James McArdle) and Lucy Lambert (Jessica Brown Findlay) to discuss what on earth they're going to do next.

"At first, it seems both couples are on the same page; they want to keep the child they have raised, while playing a role in the lives of their respective biological children. Over time, though, Pete and Maddie realise that they're being manipulated by the cunning Lamberts, who are seemingly hellbent on gaining custody of both children… by any means possible.

"The result? A clever psychological thriller that blends social commentary with 'shout at the TV' moments to create something that's every bit as thought-provoking as it is engrossing. Come for the powerhouse performances, stay for the whiplash-inducing twists and turns, and know that you'll be up-to-date on the show everyone's going to be talking about.

"Fair warning, though: it'll linger in your mind long after the tense finale." Read our full review of Playing Nice, which debuts on Sunday 5 January at 9pm on ITV and ITVX.

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... the week that powerhouse women return to the cinema

"I remember sitting in the cafe of Picturehouse Central cinema before a screening at the London Film Festival last year and thinking: wow, there are finally lots of women-led stories and films hitting screens this year," says Shahed. "Of course, it's a shame that this is something that gets noticed (hello patriarchy) but it's certainly still worth celebrating. And this week two powerhouse films will land in cinemas on 10 January: Maria, led by Angelina Jolie, and Babygirl, led by Nicole Kidman. And these are two films that you should sprint, not walk, to the cinema to watch.

"Maria sees Angelina Jolie completely transform into the legendary opera singer, Maria Callas, with the actor training for several months to sing the songs in the film; her voice blended with recordings of Callas herself. The fashion, the interiors, the location – it all adds to the grandeur, extravagance and glamour needed to portray the life of Callas. It's cinematically gorgeous but it's Jolie's performance that really takes your breath away in this film. She's utterly brilliant to watch and see her take on Maria unfold on screen.

"Equally as great on screen is Nicole Kidman. A versatile actor that has dabbled in everything from comedy to psychological thrillers, Kidman is now taking on the world of erotic thrillers. In Babygirl, she plays powerful CEO, Romy, who engages in a forbidden affair with an alluring and much younger intern, Samuel (Harris Dickinson). Romy seems to have it all. A sleek and glamorous job at a robotics firm. A handsome theatre director of a husband and two teenage daughters. A beautiful home in the New York suburbs. But she still feels as though something is missing from her life – in particular her sex life. The film beautifully captures a woman's erotic experiences without shying away from the jagged edges of these desires and Kidman's performance will surely be one of the main talking points of awards season.

"In fact, both actors have been awarded a Golden Globe nomination for their performances in both these films. And rightfully so. I'm still thinking about both films three months on and will certainly be returning to the cinema for a repeat watch. Both Kidman and Jolie's performances are so different but such a joy to watch on screen. They're bold, brilliant and, in my opinion, award-winning."